Depth of Field Calculator

Master your focus with our free Depth of Field (DoF) calculator. Instantly find the near and far points of acceptable sharpness, the total depth of field, and the hyperfocal distance for any camera and lens combination. Essential for landscape, portrait, and macro photographers who want precise control over their images. Explore more photography tools on CalculatorBolt.

Calculate Depth of Field

Choose your camera's sensor size
Lens focal length
f/2.8, f/5.6, etc.
m
Distance to your subject

Preset Scenarios

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How to Use This Calculator

Select your camera's sensor format, enter your lens's focal length and the aperture you're shooting at, and finally, the distance to your subject. The calculator will instantly show you the range in front of and behind your subject that will be in acceptable focus.

Understanding Depth of Field

Depth of Field (DoF) is the zone of acceptable sharpness in an image. It is primarily controlled by the aperture (f-stop): a smaller aperture (larger f-number, e.g., f/16) gives a deeper DoF, while a wider aperture (smaller f-number, e.g., f/1.8) gives a shallower DoF. Focal length and subject distance also play a key role.

Example

Using a Full-Frame camera with a 50mm lens at f/2.8, focused on a subject 10 meters away:

  • Hyperfocal Distance: 29.46 m
  • Near Focus Point: 9.05 m
  • Far Focus Point: 11.20 m
  • Total Depth of Field: 2.15 m

Tips & Important Notes

  • For Landscapes: Use the hyperfocal distance. Focus at this point to make everything from half that distance to infinity acceptably sharp.
  • For Portraits: Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.4 - f/2.8) and a longer focal length to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background.
  • Sensor Size Matters: Smaller sensors (like in smartphones or compact cameras) inherently have a deeper depth of field than larger sensors (like Full-Frame) at the same equivalent focal length and aperture.

FAQs

It is the closest distance at which a lens can be focused while keeping objects at infinity acceptably sharp. Focusing at the hyperfocal distance maximizes your depth of field.

A wider aperture (smaller f-number) results in a shallower depth of field (less in focus). A narrower aperture (larger f-number) results in a deeper depth of field (more in focus).

The sensor size determines the Circle of Confusion, which is a key variable in the DoF calculation. Different sensor sizes produce different depths of field for the same lens settings.

It's the largest blur spot that is still perceived as a sharp point by the human eye. It's a theoretical limit used to define what is "acceptably sharp."

Disclaimer

This calculator provides theoretical estimates based on standard optical formulas. Actual depth of field can be affected by lens design, diffraction at small apertures, and your own perception of sharpness. Use it as a guide, not an absolute measure.

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Author: CalculatorBolt Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Photography Specialist
Published: • Updated: